Vodka from the motherland. Mr. Bond puts it in his martini. The Dude puts it in his White Russian. We put it next to a plate of Siberian Pelmeni.

Much like the most interesting man in the world, we don’t always drink vodka and we certainly don’t always have Siberian Pelmeni, but when we do, we do so at Moscow on the Hill.

Just a few blocks from the eye-catching St. Paul Cathedral, you can be transported into mother Russia as if you’ve got a direct ticket on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

First stop, Zakuski. A tradition in the homeland, Zakuski is locally cured Russian style deli meats, cheeses, house mustard, pickles and crostinis, which are often paired with a glass of vodka. Moscow on the Hill likes to source all of their meats, poultry and vegetables locally if possible. And the head chef even has his own herb garden, bringing in a personal touch to traditional dishes.

Along with traditional plates like Chicken Kiev, Borscht and Stroganoff, Moscow on the Hill brings in modern takes as well with their Pelmeni and Vareniki.

All of the food and drink is phenomenal. Year after year, Moscow on the Hill is voted as one of the best summer eateries in the city both for its culture and presentation.

We show up in the summer for the patio and in the winter for the Borscht and we’ll always get some vodka.